INDIANAPOLIS -- It's a feat that Lance Lewis would have thought nearly impossible five years ago.
This June, he'll be competing in cycling at the Transplant Games of America in Cleveland.
A genetic lung disorder had landed Lewis on the transplant list, twice.
"I knew that this was going to work out, the call was going to come - everything was going to work out, be good... but there are times you can't help worry about the future," said Lewis.
While he waited, tragedy struck.
IMPD Officer David Moore was shot while on duty on January 23, 2011. Moore's family said his wishes were to donate his organs.
As a city mourned, Lewis prepared for surgery.
"I would like to thank him for his gift and service to the city," said Lewis.
He promised Moore's family to make the best use of his gift that he could.
Five years to the day that Lewis received his transplant, he wrote about the experience on Facebook.
Five years ago today I was given the most precious gift imaginable, the gift of life through a double lung transplant....
Posted by Lance Lewis on Wednesday, January 27, 2016
PREVIOUS | Officer David's Moore's organs give Hoosier patients new life
In a twist of fate, the two families crossed paths for the first time 19 years before.
Lewis' son was born at the same hospital as David Moore, within days of each other.
"I could have been standing shoulder to shoulder with Spencer looking into the nursery window without knowing it... and as my son pointed out, just think about it - you could have been looking through that window, at a baby who would save your life 19 years later," said Lewis.
Lewis and Moore's father have a message for everyone. Sign up to be a donor. It can change a life.
"Put the heart on the card. In other words, let people know you want to be a donor and tell your family. Let them know you want to be a donor. That's very important," said Spencer Moore, Officer David Moore's father.
HOW TO BE A DONOR | Indiana Donor Network
Over last five years, Lewis has run 5Ks, climbed the stairs of the second tallest building in the U.S. and even won a bronze in cycling at the Transplant Games of America in 2014.
He'll compete again this summer at the games in Cleveland.
"It means I'm still alive... it means that David's gift is still working for me and others... it's just a real blessing to be able to compete," said Lewis.
Transplant donor families and recipients are invited to sign the Transplant Games of America flag on Sunday, February 28, from 1 - 5 p.m., at 2nd Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis.
The flag is traveling to all 50 states to gather signatures and it will fly at the games in Cleveland.
We'll be sure to update you on Lance's race in the games.
He sums it all up this way, "After receiving a transplant and receiving the gift of life, you realize how precious life is... so you focus on things that are family and and friends and the stuff that's important.. and the other stuff you just brush aside. It just gets in the way."
---------------
Sign up to have the latest news headlines delivered straight to your email inbox
